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Jul 18, 2024 · The weight of a car matters for several reasons, ranging from performance to safety. Understanding the benefits and downsides of having a heavy vehicle can help you shop for a car that...
Aug 23, 2024 · In this guide to buying a car, Consumer Reports tells you what to know before you head to a car dealership and what to ask once you’re there.
- Test Drive For Comfort
- Shop During The Day
- Prepare For Your Purchase
- Prepare For Repairs
- Understand The Cost to Own
- Cargo Considerations
- Features Matter
- Bonus Tips
Test driving a car before purchase helps you to assess the vehicle’s performance and handling. “It sounds overly simple,” said Andy Bornhop, Senior Vehicle Reviews Editor, “but don’t buy a car without actually sitting in it first.” He says the test drive is your chance to check out the car’s technology and convenience features and make sure the veh...
Andy also advises against buying a used car at night or in the rain: “It hides any shoddy paint or bodywork that may have been done on the car,” he explains. Even if you bring a flashlight or other lighting accessory, you may need more to assess the car’s condition accurately. Avoid nighttime shopping if you’re in the market for a used vehicle. Onc...
Trevor has one big purchase tip: Know your budget. “If you’ve saved $10,000 to buy a used car, you shouldn’t look at cars costing more than $8,000. When purchasing a $10,000 vehicle, the dealer fees, sales tax, vehicle registration, and vehicle inspection can easily be more than $1,000, meaning the $10K vehicle just became $11K before performing an...
Insurance and repairexpenses usually can’t be avoided, but there are ways to keep the costs down. “If the repair is slightly higher than your insurance deductible, pay it out of pocket. Don’t use your ‘accident forgiveness’ on a minor claim because a major accident could be around the corner. Only use insurance for significant losses. Otherwise, yo...
The team has a few key tips regarding ownership costs. Danielle Rohe, Senior Data Program Manager for Kelley Blue Book, reminds buyers to be aware of registration and tax requirements. “As a Kentucky resident,” Danielle said, “I wish I was better prepared for vehicle property taxes.” Different states have different annual property and use tax rates...
Adequate storage spaceis essential whether you plan to take frequent road trips, haul equipment, or simply transport groceries. “Everyone needs a truck, or a friend with a truck. If you’re young and shopping for your first car, consider not getting a car. Get the smallest reliable pickup you can get your hands on. People move often in their 20s. A ...
The little details can make a big difference. Renee Valdes, Lead Advice Editor, recommends buyers look for easy connectivity: “Know how your car connects to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Is a cord necessary? Play with the buttons. Remember to test out all the controls. Are they accessible, easy to use, etc.? Can you get to them in a pinch? Can you...
Sean has a fun piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to buy something weird that delights you. “I once bought a bright orange car with a thick black stripe, not because I wanted it, but because it was the only thing on the lot with a stick and a great stereo. I wanted those. I thought I’d live with the weird color. A year in, you know what I loved best ...
May 12, 2021 · When you’re looking for a vehicle, should you get new or used? Both have strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before you make up your mind. We’ve gathered the pros and cons for buying both new cars and vehicles that are pre-owned or “new to you.”
- Jil Mcintosh
- What’s the year and mileage? Here’s an easy-to-remember rule of thumb: a car will rack up about 20,000 km a year; anything higher is considered above average.
- Is the car currently experiencing any mechanical issues? If you’re looking at used cars at a dealership, they have an obligation to disclose most damage or mechanical problems to you.
- Has the car had any major repairs or recalls? It’s important to learn as much as you can about the vehicle’s history, in particular whether it’s ever had any major repairs, either as the result of an accident, mechanical failure, or manufacturer defect.
- Can I see the vehicle history report? The best way to get a definitive answer on whether the vehicle has been in an accident or had some major repairs is to view a vehicle history report, such as CARFAX.
Dec 11, 2023 · By following these insider tips and navigating the car market with caution, you can make informed decisions and find the best first car to buy for your needs, preferences and budget.
Here’s a look at some reasons why you might choose to buy used: You want to pay less up front. This is stating the obvious: a used car costs less than a new one. But there’s more to that calculation than meets the eye in that you’ll need to pay sales taxes on your purchase no matter whether you buy new or used, and lower up-front cost ...
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